Network Effectively at Holiday Parties

As the holidays approach, so do all of the  parties and social events that go along with the season. These gatherings are wonderful places to solidify existing ties and make new connections that can lead both to direct business and to referrals.

Last week, in How to Make a Great Impression at Social Events in 60 Minutes or Less (free registration required), marketing expert Bruce Allen suggested eight ways to make your time at networking events and parties more efficient.  These included ideas such as arriving early, to give you a chance to interact with the organizers, and playing the host by offering to bring drinks or other refreshments to groups of people. (By the way, I've done that myself, and it works like a charm.  It's a great way to make a one-on-one connection too.  I've also found that the food tables, bar, and coffee stands are excellent places to strike up conversations, because they represent a shared experience, like talking about the weather.)

Horsesmouth members sent in some great tips of their own in response to this article.  Here are some party season networking ideas from your peers not only around North America, but around the world.

"One other thing I do is find out who actually organized the event—not the group that sponsored it, but the person who did the grunt work.  If they are at the event, be sure to specifically thank them.  If they aren't there, send them a quick thank you. They will probably share it with the powers that be." —L.P., Kalamazoo, Mich.

"At the start, when others start to arrive, I have found the most productive place to stand is at the end of the registration table, as guests will go there first before socialising and talking. From here they are looking for someone to 'rescue' them from standing alone, and it is easy to catch their eye and smile, start a conversation or draw them in." —G.T., New South Wales, Australia

"If you are at an event where most of the people are new, stand to the side and watch for the person or persons who everyone else goes up to speak with. Then get near that person in the food line and start a conversation."  —E.S., Palm Beach, Fla.

"Instead of trying to meet everyone, I make a point to have 3 VIP's in mind that I'm sure will be there.  I do my research/background on the three.  Then after all the glad-handing, I make a point to meet and converse a bit more in-depth with these three one-on-one, concentrating only on them.  This way, I'm not preoccupied by 'looking around' while talking to them (rude!) and it makes a bigger impression on them."           —D.P., Mattoon, Il.

Want more tips on how to accomplish more at parties than eating mystery hors d'oeuvres, and have more fun doing it?  Here are some other articles full of ideas (free registration required for all).

6 Tips for Networking at Holiday Parties
'Tis the season to mix and mingle.  Here's how you can connect with new prospects while you're enjoying a little holiday fun.

How to Turn Chit-Chat Into Real Business Opportunities 
To get beyond the small talk of endless networking events, you need a plan. Here are some conversation strategies that can spur new business without sounding pushy.

9 Secrets of a Consummate Networker
Independent publicist Erik Filkorn has an uncanny ability to befriend nearly everyone with whom he comes into contact—and, often as not, to land their business, too.   Find out how he does it.

How to Network at Social Events—Effectively!
It's not about how many people you meet at a social gathering. It's about helping others make connections. Here's how to do it.